The train ride from Oslo to Bergen isn’t just a mode of transport; it’s a destination in itself. Voted one of the most spectacular train journeys on the planet, it catapults you from urban buzz to serene fjord-country, traversing the mighty, snow-capped Hardangervidda mountain plateau. You’ll pass by frozen lakes, powerful waterfalls, and through charming villages, all from the comfort of your seat.
For many, the dream of this journey is tempered by one thing: Norway’s infamous prices. But here’s the secret—the Oslo to Bergen line, operated by Vy (pronounced “voo”), is not a tourist trap. With strategy, timing, and know-how, you can secure tickets for a fraction of the standard cost and experience this epic adventure without breaking the bank.
This is your ultimate guide to unlocking the cheapest fares on the Bergen Railway (Bergensbanen).
1. The Golden Rule: Book Early, Book Online
This is the single most important factor in securing a cheap ticket. Vy operates a dynamic pricing model, similar to budget airlines. Fares are released 90 days (approximately 3 months) in advance and start incredibly low. The price creeps up steadily as the departure date approaches and seats sell out.
- Minipris Tickets: These are the discounted advance tickets you’re hunting for. They are limited in number and are the key to affordable travel.
- Action: Set a calendar reminder for 90 days before your intended travel date. Be ready to book as soon as the tickets are released for your journey. This is not an exaggeration; it’s the strategy used by savvy Norwegians and frequent travelers.
2. Embrace Flexibility: Your Greatest Currency
If your travel dates are set in stone, your options are limited. If you can be flexible, you open a treasure chest of savings.
- Travel Date: A ticket for a Tuesday or Wednesday will almost always be significantly cheaper than one for a Friday afternoon or Sunday evening, when demand is highest from domestic travelers.
- Time of Day: The first train of the day (usually a very early departure) and trains leaving in the evening are typically less popular and therefore cheaper than the mid-morning departures that everyone wants.
- Time of Year: Shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) offer a magical blend of cheaper prices and stunning scenery—think spring waterfalls at full power or autumn’s golden hues. Winter offers a breathtaking, snow-blanketed landscape at a fraction of the peak summer cost.
3. Master the Vy App and Website
Forget turning up at the station. The cheapest fares are exclusively found online.
- The Official Vy App/Website (vy.no): This is your primary tool. It’s user-friendly and available in English. Create an account in advance to speed up the checkout process when those coveted Minipris tickets drop.
- How to Use It: Select your route (Oslo S to Bergen St.) and dates. The system will show you a calendar view with prices for each day, making it easy to identify the cheapest option. Use this feature to your advantage.
4. Understand the Discounts and Rail Passes
Don’t assume you don’t qualify for a discount. Vy offers several categories:
- Children: Under 4 travel for free. Ages 4-15 travel for half the adult Minipris fare.
- Youth (16-25) & Senior (67+): These age groups are eligible for a 25% discount on the adult Minipris fare. You must select the correct passenger type when searching.
- Student: Valid for students under 31 with a student ID from a Norwegian institution. International student cards are generally not accepted for this discount.
- The Interrail/Eurail Pass: If you are on a broader European tour, a Global Pass can be excellent value. Remember: The Oslo-Bergen line requires a mandatory seat reservation (around 100-200 NOK) on top of your pass. Do the math: if a Minipris ticket is 299 NOK, your pass day + reservation might not be cheaper. For this single journey, a point-to-point ticket is often better value.
5. Consider the “Split Ticket” Hack (The Finse Strategy)
While you can’t technically split the Vy ticket itself, you can use the pricing to your advantage. Sometimes, a ticket from Oslo to a stop beyond Bergen (like Voss or Myrdal) can be cheaper than a ticket just to Bergen. It sounds illogical, but dynamic pricing works in mysterious ways.
- Action: Always do a quick search for a ticket to a station slightly past your destination. You can simply get off at your intended stop (Bergen), as the train will stop there anyway. You are not allowed to break a journey on a single-leg ticket, but if your final destination is Bergen, buying a ticket to, say, Arna and getting off in Bergen would be invalid. The hack is to buy a ticket to a further destination that is priced lower.
6. The “Last Minute” Gamble (Not Recommended)
What if you didn’t book 90 days ahead? All is not entirely lost, but your options are limited and risky.
- Vy’s “Lucky Train” (Lyntog): Occasionally, if a train has a lot of empty seats close to departure, Vy might release a batch of very cheap “Lucky Train” tickets. This is unpredictable and should not be relied upon.
- Standard Full-Price Ticket: This is the expensive backup option. A full-flex ticket purchased on the day of travel can cost over 1000 NOK. This is what you are trying to avoid.
Putting It All Together: A Step-by-Step Plan for the Cheapest Ticket
- Plan Your Trip: Decide on your approximate travel window, favoring weekdays and shoulder seasons.
- Set a Reminder: Mark your calendar for 90 days before the start of your travel window.
- Be Ready to Book: On day 90, go to the Vy website or app. Have your passenger details (including any discount eligibility) ready.
- Compare and Contrast: Use the calendar view to find the absolute cheapest day and time within your flexible dates. Check prices to stations beyond Bergen.
- Checkout Quickly: Select your tickets, choose your seats (a small fee, but worth it for a window seat on this journey), and pay. You will receive an e-ticket on your phone—no need to print.
- Relax and Get Excited: You’ve just secured your passage on one of the world’s great travel experiences for an incredible price.
What to Expect for Your Money
A “Minipris” ticket is a discounted, non-flexible fare. This means:
- It is non-refundable.
- It is tied to that specific train and time. If you miss it, your ticket is void.
- It does not include reserved seating by default (you can add it for a small fee).
The journey itself is the reward. The train is modern, comfortable, and equipped with free WiFi and a café car selling (expensive) snacks and coffee. For the true Norwegian experience, pack your own matpakke (packed lunch) and enjoy it as you watch the incredible landscape unfold.
The Oslo to Bergen train is a highlight of any Norwegian adventure. By being a smart, prepared traveler, you can ensure that the memory that lasts a lifetime is the view of the mountains, not the shock of an expensive ticket. Happy travels